Drake Leads The List Of Top 10 Earners In Music Streaming For 2015

Drake had a huge 2015. Besides taking a victory in his battle against Meek Mill, last year saw “Chaining Tatum” release two platinum certified projects and the smash hit “Hotline Bling.” Billboard now reports Drake was the top music act as far as earnings from streaming as well.

Drake led the list with a total of $2.3 million from streaming revenue. This is significant news for Drizzy and his record label Young Money/Cash Money, because streaming has become the primary money maker of the record business (34.3% of 2015’s $7 billion retail revenue). That means the Toronto native is currently at the forefront of his industry’s financial future.

Fellow Canadian performer The Weeknd came in second place on Billboard‘s tally. The “Earned It” singer made $1.5 million in revenue from streaming. Fetty Wap (#6 – $860,000), Nicki Minaj (#7 – $826,500), J. Cole (#9 – $788,000), and Wiz Khalifa (#10 – $722,600) also made the top 10.

While streaming has become valuable for the music companies, the profits trickling down to the artists is still small in comparison to other music-centered revenue opportunities. For instance, Drake reportedly totaled $4.4 million and The Weeknd brought in $3.6 million from music sales. While Nicki Minaj made $3.5 million and J. Cole acquired $5.5 million from touring.